Tips for Successful Stepparenting

Stepparenting can sometimes be analogous to walking blindfolded through a minefield. Generally successful stepparenting involves three integrated actions: (1) provide emotional support and be a neutral sounding board to your spouse (the parent); (2) provide emotional support and be a neutral sounding board to the child/children; (3) don't try to become what you aren't -- their parent or their best friend. Try to avoid criticism of your spouse's former husband/wife. While children may recount a myriad of deficiencies of their other parent, criticism by you will commonly generate a protective reaction and devalue your credibility as an objective adult.